Team Herald
PANJIM: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) to allocate fixed spots to six meat vendors in the temporary shed being constructed to rehabilitate fish vendors at the old fish market complex in Panjim.
The CCP had initially passed a special resolution on January 15, 2025, resolving to provide space to the six meat vendors on a daily sopo basis, using a first-come, first-served approach. During arguments before the Supreme Court, the meat vendors submitted that fixed spots were essential for their operations, as their requirements differed significantly from those of fish vendors.
On January 24, the CCP passed a fresh resolution, which was presented to the Supreme Court during the hearing on January 28. In the new resolution, it was proposed that fixed spots in the southeastern section of the temporary fish market be allocated to the six meat vendors.
The meat vendors, represented by former Additional Solicitor General Atmaram N S Nadkarni and Advocates Rohit Bras De Sa and S S Rebello, argued for additional provisions, including the installation of refrigerators, mincers, and mincing machines, as well as access to electricity, water, and enclosed spaces for security. The Supreme Court permitted these requests but clarified that the allotment would remain strictly temporary.
Separately, other individuals who made representations to the CCP for market space were rejected, as they were neither fish nor meat vendors and lacked valid trade licences. The Supreme Court upheld the CCP's decision, reiterating that, as per a prior judgment by the High Court of Bombay at Goa, individuals seeking to enforce leasehold rights must file civil suits.